THIS MONDAY (April 12) lockdown restrictions eased even further and meant that numerous outdoor attractions are now permitted to open.

This means that family days out are about to get an upgrade.

Funfairs, zoos and water parks are just some of the attractions now permitted to open.

Here’s everything you need to know about the outdoor attractions permitted to open- including the best places to visit in the North West of England:

Which attractions are allowed to reopen?

According to the Gov.uk website, the following outdoor attractions are allowed to reopen:

  • adventure parks and activities (such as obstacle courses and ziplining)
  • animal attractions (such as at zoos, safari parks and aquariums)
  • drive in events, such as for cinemas, theatres, and other performances. Visitors must not share their vehicle with those outside of their household or support bubble unless an exemption applies. Further guidance can be found here.
  • film studios
  • funfairs and fairgrounds
  • model villages
  • museums and galleries
  • skating rinks
  • games and recreation venues, including laser quest, escape rooms, paintballing and recreational driving facilities
  • theme parks
  • trampolining parks
  • water and aqua parks

Public buildings, such as community halls and centres, and libraries, can reopen.

Where can I go in the North West?

Here are just some of the fantastic attractions and venues open for business in the North West.

You might have forgotten about some of these places during lockdown or maybe you are just eager to revisit them once again.

Blackpool

  • Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard

The Bolton News: (Blackpool Pleasure Beach)(Blackpool Pleasure Beach)

You can once again enjoy the rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach as they celebrate their 125th anniversary.

However, you need to book in advance and use their eTicket system to enter the park .

The Pleasure Beach will be open from 11am until 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am until 5pm at weekends. 

For more information and to book your tickets, visit: covid.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/

  • Blackpool Zoo, Park Drive

Are you and the kids eager to get out of the house and learn about some animals?

You’re in luck as Blackpool Zoo is open for business.

However, things here will be a little different as they will not be allowed to open most indoor areas.

The indoor eating area of the cafe is closed, as are the indoor viewing area of animal houses including elephants, big cats, giraffes, small primates, gorillas and orangutans. 

These animals all have access to their outdoor enclosures.

Tickets for adults are £19.99 while children can enter the park for £15.50.

There are also deals for family events, people with disabilities and senior citizens.

Book your ticket online.

  • Blackpool Model Village, East Park Drive

(Facebook/@BlackpoolModelVillage)

This is described as ‘The Biggest Little Village in Lancashire’ with hundreds of models and figures depicting British life, culture and humour.

There are hundreds of creative village scenes to explore with the family, from a Scottish Castle, protected by its ranks of Guardsmen to a tranquil Cornish fishing village.

They are now open daily from 9:30am- 4:30 pm.

Adult tickets cost £7.50 each while children’s tickets (3-15) are £6.00 each.

The full list of prices can be found online.

Lancashire

  • Bowland Wild Boar and Animal Park, Preston

Bowland Wild Boar Park is a family run business set in 65 acres of land in the heart of the Forest of Bowland- have you ever been?

There are plenty of animals at the park for the animals to see, including deer, pigs, ostriches, geese and goats to name a few.

Best of all, they are reopening their doors today (17 April).

Tickets for adults and children are £8 each- but family deals are also available.

  • Lune Kartin Extreme Euxton, Chorley

(Facebook/ @LuneKartingextreme)


Indoor Go Karting facilities might be closed to the public- but outdoor ones are allowed to open.

Lune Kartin Extreme Euxton  welcomes everyone above 6 years of age and above 1.1 meters tall.

If you want to burn some rubber on the track, it’s £25 per 50 lap race for adults.

One child under 12 and under 142cm per adult can go free.

  • Thompson Park Railway, Burnley

(Facebook/ @thompsonparkrailway)

If you are looking for a quiet and affordable day out this weekend, make sure to take your kids on the Thompson Park Railway in Burnley.

This quaint attraction is well-loved by the people of Burnley- and it’s back in operation this Sunday (April 18) and next Sunday (25 April) on a trial basis.

The miniature railway takes you on a half mile scenic journey through a restored park and it’s operated by volunteers.

Rides cost £1 and the income is used to support the ongoing development of the railway.

After your ride, make sure to visit Thompson Park and consider bringing a picnic with you too.

The stunning Edwardian park boasts a boating lake, Italian gardens, Ranger centre, and playground.

Cumbria

  • South Lakes Safari Zoo, Ulverston

(Facebook/South Lakes Safari Zoo)

We might not be able to jet off to South Africa to see some exotic animals- but South Lakes Safari Zoo has tried to replicate this animal experience.

South Lakes Safari Zoo is home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals.

Visitors can get as close to kangaroos, lions, giraffes and rhinos to name a few.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults £19.99

Children 3-15 years £15.99

Under 3’s free of charge

Find out more online.

Greater Manchester

  • Go Ape, Rivington Lane, Horwich

Are you brave enough to swing through the trees and navigate this treetop rope course.

This particular course is the only one to feature a ‘water slide’.

Prices for the events vary and depend which challenge you want to take on- but the ziplining and treetop activites start from £18 per person.

Find out more on the Go Ape website.

  • Chill Factore, Stretford

(Facebook/ @ChillFactore)

We might be in the full throngs of spring- but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace the snow.

Manchester’s Chill Factore is a £31M real snow center and is home to the UK's longest indoor ski slope.

It opened on Monday (12 April) and since then, snowboarders and skiiers from across the North have been visiting the slopes.
Prices for non-members start from £22.40.

Find out more and book your day out online.

Cheshire

  • Gulliver’s World Theme Park, Old Hall, Warrington

(Facebook/ @gulliversworldWarrington )

Gulliver’s World is a theme park, water park and glamping resort all in one.

There are plenty of kid friendly rides in the park, suitable for even the smallest children.

A day ticket at the park is £24 if you book on the day and £19 when you book in advance- those prices are the same for children. Young babies (under 90cm) get to go free.

Where are your favourite North West attractions?